The Schlaeger Rapiers utilize a popular swept hilt, modified to accommodate Hanwei's schlaeger blades in 37" (SH1099) and 43" (SH1098) lengths. These tapered blades provide a superior balance compared to the traditional parallel-sided schlaegers, making for a faster sword.
Paul Chen's Renaissance-style Rapiers trace their origins to early 17th century Europe, where swordplay with the Rapier was considered an essential part of a gentleman’s education and was often used in resolving gentlemanly disagreements. Blades generally originated in one of the blade making centers such as Toledo or Solingen, but many differences in styling and hilt materials resulted from the local manufacture of hilts all over Europe.